We offer
a unique and flexible kindergarten program that complements or enriches the
public school program. Children can attend our morning session, stay for lunch
and catch the Hampstead Central School bus at the school to attend the half-day
public school session. Another option for Hampstead children is to take the bus
to our school after their morning public kindergarten session. They can have
lunch at Stepping Stones and stay with us until 4pm for enrichment activities.
And our third option is to attend Stepping Stones as their primary kindergarten
program in the mornings and remain for enrichment until 4pm. Children from
other school districts may attend but we do not provide transportation to other
school districts. For more information about our unique and flexible
kindergarten program please us the contacts below.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN 4 YEAR OLDS (FOUR DAYS)The
Pre-Kindergarten Program is designed for four year olds who are ready for more
time in the classroom. The program is in session four mornings, Monday through
Thursday, from 8:45-12:00. The student/teacher ratio is 10 to 1, far below the
state standards. The day includes greeting and group planning, small group
instruction and activities in Language Arts and Math, daily snacks; small and
large group activities in Science and Social Studies, plus Art, Music, stories
and outside play. We use a whole- language and literature based reading
program, including Alpha Time Phonics and Handwriting Without Tears. Math Their
Way forms the basis of our math curriculum. The Pre-kindergarten calendar runs
from the second Monday in September to the last Thursday before Memorial Day.

PRE-SCHOOL FOR 3 YEAR
OLDS (TWO OR THREE DAY OPTION) The pre-school is open to
children who have reached their 3rd birthday. The school is in session three mornings
Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:15-11:45am. The student/teacher ratio is 8 to
1. The mornings include individual and
group activities such as blocks, housekeeping, painting, sand and water play
books, puzzles, games, cooking, art, music, science, pre-reading and math
instruction (see description above). This program begins the second Tuesday of
Sept. and ends the last Thursday of May before Memorial Day.

FIRST
FRIENDS PLAYGROUP

This
program is opened to all 3 and 4 year old children as a first introduction to
school. The program is designed around a
daily literature based theme. The
morning will consist of crafts, story, music, finger play, and free exploration
of classroom activities. Class times are
Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 9:30-11am.
Sign-ups are limited and based on a six-week sessions. A longer day can be arranged on an individual
basis. We can provide a flexible
schedule to meet your family’s needs.Flyer

ENRICHMENTThe program is opened to all students as an extra enrichment
session and others looking for an introduction to school. Children can sign-up
on a weekly basis. The children will enjoy a variety of activities that will
enhance their early education. Such activities will consist of arts and crafts,
music, games, science, literature, and academics in pre-reading and math. The
Enrichment hours are offered Monday through Thursday afternoons until 4pm. Early
drop-off at 8:30 am can also be arranged for the child.

PARENTS are
always welcome to visit the school. We appreciate their help on field trips and
enjoy their participation in our units of study that may relate to their areas
of interest. Communication and co-operation between parents and teachers are
essential parts of our program. We keep parents informed of school happenings
with our newsletters and monthly calendars, plus with daily informal contact at
pick up and drop off times. We welcome any information or inquiry that helps us
to better understand your child’s needs. There are several times during the
year when parents are requested to attend special events planned by the
children, conferences, guest mornings and family night.

Our programs are carefully planned to meet the on-going needs of each child. We
believe that learning is a continuous process. We strive to make this school
step a nurturing experience where individual talents are respected and
developed. Stepping Stones School is a place to discover and expand,
developmentally and academically, the world of the pre-school child. We at the
school are committed to maintaining the high standards of quality education
that have helped provide the basis for our excellent reputation over the past
forty years.

TUITION

If you have any questions about the 2014/2015 Tuition Prices please contact us by
email or phone for current tuition, enrichment, camp and First Friends
pricing.

MISSION
STATEMENTThe Hampstead Congregational Church founded
Stepping Stones School in 1970 as a non-denominational, non-profit,
coeducational preschool dedicated to providing a warm, caring environment for
learning. The school is guided by a five-member steering committee of church
members, former parents, teachers and community members. The school’s directors
are responsible for the day-to-day functions of Stepping Stones School. We seek
to help children develop into self-confident, secure and happy people, while
recognizing their individual gifts and capabilities. Stepping Stones is
committed to meeting the unique and complex needs of the three to six year old
child, encouraging social cooperation and personal autonomy, while fostering
intellectual growth. In the school setting the child learns to adjust to a
large social group and accept and appreciate the talents, faiths and cultures
of others. We feel that learning to listen, sharing ideas, following
directions, and enjoying the on-going process and completion of projects are
important steps in developing life-long attitudes of accomplishment and
fulfillment. Through language development and pre-reading skills, math, social
studies, science, music, movement and art, Stepping Stones provides a creative
learning environment including instructional and exploratory time.

FACILITY
The Hampstead Congregational Church sponsors and houses this
non-denominational, non-profit, coeducational program. We have five classrooms
that are well lit and pleasantly equipped. Hadley Hall provides a large indoor
area that is used in inclement weather or large group projects and programs.
The school has access to a large meeting room for music and parent groups. A
well- equipped kitchen is just footsteps from our classrooms for cooking
activities. We have a playground area for daily outside play. A keyless
security system assures the children are safe in our building.

OUR
STAFF
We believe the teacher’s role is to help facilitate, with enthusiasm and
knowledge, the child’s natural growth and abilities. Our teachers hold BS degrees in Education
and/or are certified teachers. Our staff has many years of teaching experience.
We also have backgrounds in special education, creative learning and early
childhood education. As a special note, most of our staff are former Stepping
Stones parents. They have a unique understanding of the important role parents
play in the student’s successful adjustment to school. Our student: teacher
ratio is well below the state standards.